7 ideas where to go for an autumn walk

1. The castles on Obora
Formerly a swampy forest, later a manor game-preserve. Today, Hořejší Obora is a romantic oasis of peace in the middle of the town. It is at its most beautiful in autumn, when the colourful trees and houses above the historic walls, together with the Church of St. James, begin to reflect on the surface of the pond. Slow down and enjoy the view! Or just take a stroll around. The lanterns, benches and orange lime trees combine to create a wonderfully photogenic spot.

2.Arnoštovy sady
From the waterfront, continue to the Castle and Pribram Town Hall to Arnoštovy sady, which was created by filling in the castle moats. The lime trees water this place with yellow, orange and brown colour every autumn. The oldest ones have been growing here since the mid-nineteenth century! At the western wall of the castle you will also find a curiosity, the unusually large buckthorn. The Zátiší Park, a quiet area surrounded by historic buildings, leads you to the Jirásek Gardens.

3. Thegazebo in the town spa
The planting of the fir tree avenue, which still dominates the orchards, was reportedly supervised as early as 1840 by the regional secretary Baron Wolfgang Julius von Schönau. At his instigation, not only the Jirásek Gardens were created, but also the nearby Střelovna Park. In its central part stands the building of the former municipal spa. You can stroll through the park just like the inhabitants and visitors of Příbram in the 19th century. Stop in the wooden pavilion or get lost in the tangle of paths among the centuries-old trees.

4. The colourful Svatá Hora
The most colourful place in Příbram, especially at this time of year. Head here either through the Marian Valley or past the St. Wenceslas Oak. It was here before the basilica itself! Once you climb the Holy Mountain, time stops for you. Sit on a bench and soak up the autumn atmosphere, stroll through the fallen leaves on Toufar's Meadow or explore lesser-known corners, such as the Calvary, the waterworks or the adjacent Hrabák Orchards. Return to the city through the cherry orchard of Svatohorské Skála, which will reward you with an unusual view of Příbram, or the alley of Svatohorské Skála, which will reward you with more chestnuts for your collection.

5.Melancholy at Novák Pond
Novák is beautiful all year round, but especially in autumn this place has an unmistakable melancholic atmosphere. The cold pond is a kind of sad memory of a beautiful summer. But that is the reason to come here and enjoy the tranquility of a place that is otherwise alive with dozens of visitors. Walk around the pond, walk the footbridge to the island or discover some of the hidden corners that the New Pond hides. From there, you can continue along the "green spine" to the centre of town or head up to the Birch Mountains.

6. The mysterious Koráb u Prokop
A little mysterious, a little forgotten. This is the church of St. Prokop and its surroundings in Březové Hory. Two majestic lime trees, maples, ash trees, oaks and birches guard it closely and dress it in yellow and orange in autumn. The adjacent Koráb forest is less accessible in places, and in many places has been left to develop naturally. This is what makes it and the Prokop church an interesting and unusual destination for a weekend autumn walk. It can be combined with a visit to the forest park.

7.Mystical Třemošná
When the Třemošná forests are shrouded in fog, that is the best time to go there. The mystical peak just a short distance from Příbram and yet already in the Brda forests is associated with many legends. For example, the one about the hermit who gave the three brothers magical musts. You will come across frosted log cabins and from the pulpit you will have a unique view of the town. If you're lucky, the crisp weather of autumn days will conjure up a uniquely mysterious atmosphere.

■ Václav Bešt'ák